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#Kakabhushundi: The Cursed Devotee of Lord Rama


Kakabhushundi is a unique character from the Ramayana, particularly mentioned in the Uttarakanda of the Ramacharitmanas. He is a devout follower of Lord Rama who was cursed to live his life as a crow by a sage. But who exactly is Kakabhushundi? Why did he turn into a crow? Let’s find out! 🐦

Who is Kakabhushundi?According to ancient texts, Lord Shiva narrated the story of Lord Rama to Goddess Parvati. A crow overheard this divine story. In its next birth, this crow was born as Kakabhushundi. He remembered the entire story of Lord Rama from his past life and became an ardent devotee, spreading the story to others. This story is known as the Adhyatma Ramayana.

The Snake EpisodeKakabhushundi is described as a wise and devout follower of Lord Rama in ancient scriptures. According to the Ramcharitmanas, during the battle between Lord Rama and Ravana, Ravana’s son Meghanada bound Rama and Lakshmana with snakes. Following the orders of Sage Narada, Garuda rescued them from this bondage.

Clearing DoubtsSeeing Lord Rama bound by snakes, Garuda developed doubts about Rama's divine nature. Sage Narada advised him to seek answers from Lord Brahma, who sent him to Lord Shiva. Eventually, Shiva sent him to Kakabhushundi, who clarified Garuda’s doubts about Lord Rama’s divine nature.

Why Kakabhushundi Became a CrowAfter clearing Garuda’s doubts, Kakabhushundi narrated his own story. Initially, he was born in a Shudra family in Ayodhya and was a devotee of Lord Shiva. However, he became arrogant and started criticizing other deities. During a famine in Ayodhya, he moved to Ujjain and served a Brahmin who was also a Shiva devotee but did not criticize other gods. Distressed by Kakabhushundi's behavior, his guru began teaching him devotion to Lord Rama.

Shiva's CurseOne day, Kakabhushundi insulted his guru, angering Lord Shiva. He cursed Kakabhushundi to be born as a snake for a thousand lives. However, the Brahmin pleaded with Shiva to forgive him. Shiva stated that Kakabhushundi must atone for his sins.

Sage Lomasha’s CurseOver time, Kakabhushundi developed deep devotion to Lord Rama and was born as a Brahmin. He went to Sage Lomasha for enlightenment but often argued with the sage. Angered by Kakabhushundi’s behavior, Lomasha cursed him to become a crow. Realizing his mistake, the sage later blessed the crow, teaching him the Rama mantra, ensuring his salvation. From then on, he was known as Kakabhushundi, famous for his devotion to Lord Rama.

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